INSPIRATION BEHIND ELITE SUCCESS
Glynis Nunn details how inspiration is used by athletes to achieve in their chosen field and where to find it.
WE all have people who inspire us for different reasons.
They might be an amazing athlete, which is the case for many young athletes. People who inspire us help us to be better, not weak, scared or stuck in a situation. They help us to “brave up” and do something or try to achieve something we might not otherwise have done.
Some strong influential people in the world up to now, have faced great odds and challenges, and in some instances they have turned “their mess into a message” to help others overcome their challenges. They might be seen as warriors fighting for what they believe in. In some cases, these people can even make a difference in the world as to how individuals live their lives.
People from history who might have inspired mums and dads are Anne Franks, Martin Luther King Jr. (I for one was inspired by his words!), J.K. Rowling, Muhammad Ali or even Bruce Lee.
Who is the person that inspires you? Inspiration can be many things to many different people. It might be your mum or dad, your grandmother, your teacher, your coach or even a close friend. It might even be a superhero – maybe Superman? I don’t know how many kids don’t see him as a source of strength and courage. Normally “pillars of strength”, people who inspire, lift others up through their words and actions.
When talking about a person who inspires you, you might use words like “great” or “amazing” or “brilliant”.
They probably need more than just words. Some may focus on power, wealth and influence. Others want the people they speak to, to grow, expand and be motivated to do something with their talent. It becomes a collective power to be used if the audience actually listens and does something to improve themselves.
Recently, the Gold Coast Academy of Sport’s Future Stars program was lucky enough to have Natasha Price come along to speak about her life journey.
Natasha was a normal person until 2008 living life to the fullest until a rare disease left her blind and paralysed overnight. Three years later she had a relapse which left her paralysed from the neck down. At this time, she found herself unable to talk or move or communicate in any way.
The doctor in charge actually told her to accept her life as this was her new norm. She spoke about her struggles but the one thing that was so evident was the continued strength she exhibits to pick herself up every time something happens. As an able-bodied person with good health, it made me make new goals for myself. Inspirational and Influential in so many ways.
Tasha shared her life challenges, expectations and dreams which showed the young athletes that there really should be no obstacles to what you can do.
She overcomes everything that continues to be thrown at her to be an elite wheelchair athlete wanting to represent Australia at Paris 2024 in the Paralympic marathon. It was an ‘amazing’ (there is that word!) story of tragedy and conquering adversities to be stronger and more accepting of what happens. The old saying, “what does not kill you, makes you stronger”, is so true in this instance.
Tasha brought along her business partner Adam Sheppard to help her with her presentation to the group as she is partially blind and unable to read clearly. As I write this, Adam himself is recovering from a double amputation of his legs above the knee. Born with spina bifida Adam has had to endure multiple infections and health issues for the best part of the last 20 years. Confined to a wheelchair, he has never seen this as a disability – it was the way he was born. Spina bifida affects the development of a baby’s spine and spinal cord during the first month of pregnancy and it can cause several problems depending on its severity.
Did you know that about 150 babies are born with spina bifida in Australia every year. Anyhow, due to consistent infections in his lower legs, Adam made the choice to amputate both legs from above the knee.
It was quite an easy decision for him as it will improve his quality of life, “get rid of the problem legs” as he puts it, and give him a fuller life with his young son and family. My wish is that his family life is all he dreams of.
A huge thank you to Natasha and Adam for sharing her journey and giving so many meaningful messages to the athletes. The main one – never feel sorry for yourself – pick yourself back up and move on – life is there for the living.
Now that the Commonwealth Games are over, I am sure there are many young prospects who are looking at successful athletes and dream of being like them. With 2032 only 10 years away this is a wonderful aim. I hope all athletes can choose a role model and an inspiring person who can move them to achieve something they have often dreamt of.